Press Release No. 125-03
27 March 2003
OPLE
ISSUES ORDERS FOR ‘GAS-MASK CHECK’ FOR OFWS IN ME
Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople gave instructions to the Philippine
Embassies in Israel and Kuwait to conduct a “gas-mask check” among overseas
Filipino workers in those two countries to ensure that every worker is prepared
in case biological or chemical weapons are used in the course of the Iraq
war.
Ople noted a statement of Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz of Israel calling
on all citizens to “not get complacent” and to follow Home Front Command instructions
on carrying gas masks. He asked Ambassador Belen Anota of the Philippine
Embassy in Israel to make sure that Filipino workers are complying with the
instructions issued by the Defense Ministry.
He added that the Philippine Embassy in Israel has reported that gas masks
are available to all Filipino workers, whether documented or undocumented.
He, however, instructed Ambassador Anota to check and double-check to ensure
that the Filipino workers there have claimed their individual gas masks.
“Our workers would have to deposit US$42 for the gas mask, of which half
(US$21) would be refunded upon return of the gas mask once the crisis ends,”
Secretary Ople explained.
Secretary Ople said that though there are no imminent signs of the use of
biological or chemical weapons, the Philippine government should do everything
possible to ensure the safety of OFWs.
“Whatever the nationals have in terms of protective gear, it is our duty
to ensure that the same kind of protection is made available to our OFW's,
“ Secretary Ople said in his instructions to the posts in the Middle East.
End